~ ACFW Colorado's Blog for Writers

Plotting: Part 1

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a plot is the plan or main story of a literary work. Plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme, as in an assassination plot.

In other words, the story is the sequence in which events occur, while the plot is the sequence in which the writer arranges those events, and which events the writer chooses to include.

Plots are actually either masculine or feminine.

Feminine plot = A character-driven story. It’s all about relationships, or the relationship is a huge part of the plot. Think of Driving Miss Daisy and Steel Magnolias.

Masculine plot = James Bond. The main character has very little growth throughout the story and doesn’t change who he is or how he acts. This is the “winning against all odds and often has a romantic thread.

Below, I list several types of plots. This is by no means all-inclusive. There are many other types of plots, but this list will give you an idea of some of them.

Plots of chance

Things happen to a character through no fault of his/her own

A character is to blame for his/her own downfall

A character suffers adversity

A character gets through misfortune through his/her own determination

A character survives the misfortune through chance and circumstance

Plots that make up and distinguish an individual

A purposeless character finds direction and strength

A character makes the right choice after many wrong choices

The character suffers a loss resulting in disillusionment

Plots of realization

A character experiences trouble and comes out a better person

The main character must seek out the truth

The main character comes to see another character more truly

A character goes through loss and loses faith completely

Regardless of what type of plot a story contains, there must be conflict. Conflict is: